More than 300 jobs will be coming to Kansas City, thanks to a decision from CVS Pharmacy.
Last week, Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon announced the major retailer will build a new 762,000 sq. ft. distribution center in Kansas City, Mo., at the Skyport Industrial Park, located in central Platte County. The company’s expansion is expected to create more than 360 new jobs in the region with another 70 to 100 jobs outsourced to local businesses.
“Missouri recently reached record employment, with more folks back at work in our state than ever before,” Nixon said. “Today’s announcement by CVS Pharmacy to create 360 new jobs in Kansas City will continue this momentum, and is great news for area families. Once again, the Show-Me State has shown the nation that we are open for business with a strong and growing economy.”
With access to key road systems in the region, the planned distribution center will support the service and fulfillment needs of more than 370 CVS Pharmacy stores throughout the Midwest.
CVS Pharmacy expects to break ground on the 67-acre property in January 2017 and immediately start construction on the facility. The new distribution center is expected to begin operations in 2018.
“This new distribution center is an integral part of CVS Pharmacy’s continued growth as a leading pharmacy, health and beauty destination,” said Kevin Hourican, executive vice president for pharmacy services and supply chain with CVS Health. “The key combination of a high-quality workforce and a centralized location will allow us to better serve the growing needs of our customers throughout the Midwest and beyond. As a result of our new Midwest distribution center, our delivery drivers will drive hundreds of thousands fewer miles each year to deliver product to our stores, significantly reducing carbon emissions and improving highway safety.”
CVS currently has 18 distribution centers throughout the United States but this will be the first in Missouri.
“Today’s announcement is great news for our city and maintains Kansas City’s role as a premier location for businesses looking for the resources and convenience to reach every corner of our country and beyond,” Kansas City mayor Sly James said.
Located just minutes from the Kansas City International Airport, Skyport Industrial Park offers access to KCI Airport, Harley Davidson’s production plant and Interstate 29, according to NorthPoint Development’s website. The 67-acre park is vertical construction ready with existing infrastructure already on site offering fast-track build-to-suit opportunities.
The property is located just south of Ferrelview, Mo. off of N. Congress Avenue.
According to Chris Gutierrez, president of KC SmartPort — the authority on logistics and opportunities in the 18-county, bi-state Kansas City region — CVS’ decision affirms the transportation infrastructure advantages in the area. He believes Kansas City offers competitive costs for distributing to the greater Midwest.
“We are delighted to announce that CVS has chosen Platte County,” said Alicia Stephens, executive director of the Platte County Economic Development Council. “This is a huge success for the county and demonstrates its continued growth and attractiveness for businesses. We thank our economic development partners who were all vital in the process of this project. Platte County EDC member NorthPoint Development played a major role in the successful recruitment of CVS.
“The county and the Park Hill School District understand what this means to our community.”
Missouri is helping the company recruit candidates for the new positions which are expected to be hired starting in early 2018.
Additionally, Kansas City approved the company for local personal property tax abatement.
The Missouri Partnership, Port KC, Platte County Economic Development Council, Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, and Kansas City Power & Light also assisted with the company’s expansion to the state.
Kansas City Area Development Council president and CEO Tim Cowden touted Kansas City’s industrial boom and its continued development as a center of choice regional and national distribution.
“On behalf of CVS Pharmacy, we are thrilled to grow our presence in the Kansas City business community,” said Ron Link, senior vice president of logistics for CVS Pharmacy. “This new location will help us enhance support for our expanding distribution needs in the Midwestern market. We want to thank state and local officials for their cooperation and support during our site selection process.”